Flexible connecter



May 3, 1938. H. H. HAIRE 2,115,713

FLEXIBLE CONNECTER Filed Dec. 5, 1956 In v T INVENTOR BY H MER HHMRE.

& M

ATTORNEY Patented May 3, 1938 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 1 Claim.

(Granted under the act of March 3, 1883, as amended April 30, 1928; 370 0. G. 757) This invention relates to a flexible connecter especially adapted for use as a vibration dampener, and particularly intended for. mounting static or vibratory loads in any position, either as a supporting base, as a suspension means from directly overhead, or as a support on an angular or vertical wall.

A further object of this invention is to provide a flexible connecter as a vibration dampener eliminating transmission of any vibration therethrough, and including a cushioning element which acts toprevent any metal to metal contact between the supported load and the supporting surface.

15 A further object of this invention is to provide a flexibleconnecter wherein the cushioning element is of rubber, and wherein the rubber and the metallic elements in which the rubber is mounted are so associated that vulcanizing or bonding of the rubber to the metallic surfaces is 20 unnecessary, and wherein failure cannot possibly occur except through shear of the cushioning element.

With the foregoing and other objects in view, the invention consists in the construction, com- 25 bination and arrangement of parts, as will be described more fully hereafter.

In the drawing: Fig. 1 is a top View of one form of this inven tion in operative position;

30 Fig. 2 is a sectional view of the flexible connecter of this invention;

Fig. 3 is a top plan View of the internally threaded spool;

Fig. 4 is an elevational view of the spool of Fig. 5 is a top plan view of the rubber cushioning element;

Fig. 6 is an elevational view of the cushioning element of Fig. 5;

Fig. 7 is a top plan view of Fig.8, and

Fig. 8 is a sectional view of a slightly modified form of the invention.

There is shown at l one form of the flexible connecter of this invention. This flexible connecter I0 includes a spool H which is internally threaded as at 2 to receive the shank l3 of a bolt l4 when connecting a load l thereto. The spool H has its upper edge partly cut away as at IS in order to provide wrench-receiving surfaces, if necessary. The side of the spool II is recessed as at l8 in order to receive an internally projecting rib IQ of the cylindrical cushioning element 20 therein. The cylindrical cushioning element 20 is provided with an externally projecting rib 2| which is receivable within a channel 22 formed on thimble 23. The thimble 23 is adapted to be secured to a flange or washer 24 as by welding 25, the flange or washer 24 being pro- 5 vided with a series of bolt-receiving apertures 26 through which may extend stud bolts 21 for securing the connector Hi to a base or supporting surface 28.

In the form of the invention shown in Fig. 8 the spindle 30 is made. in two cooperative sections 3| and 32, adapted to be threaded together as at 33 to provide a channel 34 for receiving the rib 2|. The lower part 32 has a-flange 35 integrally extending therefrom and provided with bolt apertures 36.

In assembling the flexible connecter in the form shown at I0 the cushioning element has its rib |9 forcibly passed over the spool ll until it enters into the recess Hi. The thimble 23 is then placed over the rib 2| until the rib 2| enters the channel 22, thus completing the assembly of the unit.

In the form shown in Fig. 8 the spool is assembled from opposite sides of the rib 2| so that the channel 34 is placed about the rib 2| without the necessity of forcing the spool 30 thereover.

Other modifications and changes in the proportions and arrangements ofthe parts may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the nature and scope of the invention, as defined in the appended claim.

The invention described herein may be manufactured and used by or for the Government of the United States of America for governmental purposes without the payment of any royalties thereon or therefor.

Having thus set forth and disclosed the nature of this invention, what is claimed is:

A shear type flexible connecter comprising a 40 cylindrical cushioning element having an internally and an externally projecting semicircular rib in unstressed condition, a cylindrical spool having a circular recess corresponding in size to the internal rib adapted to be inserted within said cylindrical cushioning element, and a cylindrical .thimble having a channel corresponding in size and shape to the external rib adapted to be placed over the cylindrical rib whereby said ribs hold said cushioning element locked in between said spindle and spool for loading in shear distortion, and securing means in said spool and on said thimble.

HOMER H. HAIRE. 

